
7.
After remaining at Melita (modern Malta) three months, by
what means and course did they journey to Italy? Verses 11-13.
NoTE.—The sign of the ship on which Paul sailed was really its
name. Such signs were used because many could not read. Castor and
Pollux were supposed to be twin sons of Jupiter.
November, December, and January evidently had been spent in
Malta, and with early February, the Alexandrian grain ships were
again moving toward Italy. Syracuse was the great port of Sicily;
and at Rhegium, at the toe of the Italian boot, the apostle first touched
Italy. The company landed at Puteoli, on the present Bay of Naples.
8.
Where was Paul permitted to tarry with friends? Verse 14.
9.
Who came to meet him at Appii Forum? How did this meeting
with the brethren from Rome affect the apostle? Verse 15.
NOTE.—"From Puteoli they marched thirty-three miles before they
reached the famous Appian Way, the great military road from Rome
to Southern Italy, 'by which many a Roman general had passed in tri-
umph to the capitol, seated on a car of victory, surrounded by the
plaudits of rejoicing Rome.' . . . Fifty-seven miles farther along this
road they came to Appii Forum."—Peloubet. Here they were met by
the first delegation of brethren from Rome.
"At last the travelers reach Appii Forum, forty miles from Rome.
As they make their way through the crowds that throng the great
thoroughfare, the gray-haired old man, chained with a group of hard-
ened-looking criminals, receives many a glance of scorn, and is made
the subject of many a rude, mocking jest.
"Suddenly a cry of joy is heard, and a man springs from the pass-
ing throng and falls upon the prisoner's neck, embracing him with
tears and rejoicing, as a son would welcome a long-absent father.
Again and again is the scene repeated, as, with eyes made keen by
loving expectation, many discern in the chained captive the one who at
Corinth, at Philippi, at Ephesus, had spoken to them the words of life.
"As the warm-hearted disciples eagerly flock around their father
in the gospel, the whole company is brought to a standstill. The sol-
diers are impatient of delay, yet they have not the heart to interrupt
this happy meeting; for they too have learned to respect and esteem
their prisoner."—"The Acts of the Apostles," pp. 448, 449.
10.
When delivered by Julius to the Roman guard, how was Paul
treated differently from other prisoners? Verse 16.
11.
How soon after reaching Rome did Paul call a meeting of the
leading Jews at Rome? What are the main points in his talk to the
brethren at Rome? Verses 17-20.
NOTE.—"Many of the Jews who had been banished from Rome
some years previously had been allowed to return, so that large num-
bers were now to be found there. To these, first of all, Paul deter-
mined to present the facts concerning himself and his work, before his
enemies should have opportunity to embitter them against him."—
"The Acts of the Apostles," p. 450.
12.
What inforMation concerning Paul's case had these Jews failed
to receive? What reason did they give for desiring to hear his mes-
sage? Verses 21, 22.
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